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SB 391

Witnesses - As enacted, establishes procedures for the use of certified facility dogs during witness testimony and other court proceedings; establishes standards for certified facility dogs. - Amends TCA Title 24; Title 36; Title 37 and Title 40.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Tom Hatcher

Tennessee law authorizes trained facility dogs in court testimony to support vulnerable witnesses, establishing certification standards and judicial procedures for their use.

Pub. Ch. 167
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Bill Summary · SB 391

Legislative bill overview

SB 391 establishes formal procedures and standards for using certified facility dogs in Tennessee court proceedings to support witnesses during testimony. The law creates training requirements, certification standards, and protocols for when and how these dogs can be present during court cases across multiple practice areas.

Why is this important

Facility dogs—specially trained animals that provide emotional support—can help vulnerable witnesses, particularly children and trauma victims, testify more effectively by reducing anxiety and distress. This legislation legitimizes their use in court by creating consistent statewide standards, potentially improving witness testimony quality while protecting the judicial process from questions about handler bias or dog behavior.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of "certified": The bill creates new certification standards, but implementation details about which organizations qualify and oversight mechanisms may face challenges
  • Witness accommodation vs. defendant rights: Defense attorneys may argue that facility dogs could unfairly influence juries' perception of witnesses or infringe on cross-examination rights
  • Cost and access equity: Establishing certified facility dog programs requires funding and training; smaller jurisdictions may struggle with implementation, creating unequal access across the state

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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